<s snum=1> Modern markets :  confident consumers </s>
<s snum=2> a summary of the government's consumer white paper </s>
<s snum=3> A fair deal and prosperity go hand in hand .  </s>
<s snum=4> Confident consumers ,  making informed decisions in modern and competitive markets ,  promote the development of innovative and good value products .  </s>
<s snum=5> And better performance in business in turn benefits consumers .  </s>
<s snum=6> The opening up of global markets and the spread of electronic commerce bring opportunities and challenges for consumers and for business .  </s>
<s snum=7> In its White Paper ,  modern markets :  confident consumers ,  the Government has set a new agenda .  </s>
<s snum=8> to promote open and competitive markets </s>
<s snum=9> to avoid burdening those businesses with unnecessary regulation </s>
<s snum=10> to protect the public from serious trading malpractice and unsafe products .  </s>
<s snum=11> The White Paper will benefit all consumers but the Government will focus in particular on the needs of those with less developed consumer skills ,  those who are socially excluded and those on low incomes who can least afford to make a bad purchase .  </s>
<s snum=12> Open and competitive markets </s>
<s snum=13> Open and competitive markets are the best guarantee of a good deal for consumers .  </s>
<s snum=14> They encourage innovation and ensure competitive prices .  </s>
<s snum=15> The Government is putting in place a framework that fosters free and fair competition ,  but is tough on those who seek to damage the competitive process .  </s>
<s snum=16> The Government is also encouraging the competition authorities to be more proactive .  </s>
<s snum=17> To this end ,  the Government is launching an annual study to investigate whether prices are higher in the UK than in the US ,  France and Germany .  </s>
<s snum=18> The competition authorities will then look at whether any discrepancies are caused by anti - competitive behaviour .  </s>
<s snum=19> Knowledgeable and demanding consumers </s>
<s snum=20> To make informed choices ,  consumers need reliable information on price ,  quality and the safety of products .  </s>
<s snum=21> The Government will take steps to ensure that consumers have access to accurate ,  comprehensive and comprehensible information .  </s>
<s snum=22> better information on prices </s>
<s snum=23> Goods on sale in shops will be clearly priced .  </s>
<s snum=24> And it will be easier to compare the price of goods in different quantities .  </s>
<s snum=25> truthful advertising and claims </s>
